tatting

noun

tat·​ting ˈta-tiŋ 

1

: a delicate handmade lace formed usually by looping and knotting with a single cotton thread and a small shuttle

2

: the act or process of making tatting

Illustration of tatting

• tatting 1

Examples of tatting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And in keeping with being surprising, one of the singer’s proudest accomplishments this summer was learning how to flip a knot in shuttle tatting, an intricate lacemaking technique. —Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Aug. 2025

Two magical paintings, impossible to reproduce effectively in a photograph (go see them in person!), are white fields of tatting and crochet patterns. —Cate McQuaid, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Jan. 2023

The tit-for-tatting among sports humans will never stop. —David Whitley, OrlandoSentinel.com, 10 Jan. 2018

Apart from dozens of artists exhibiting their art and demonstrating their process, there will be music live music, food and family friendly activities such as face painting, sidewalk chalk drawing and lace tatting. —Denisse Salazar, Orange County Register, 26 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tatting

• batting
• chatting
• matting
• patting
• platting
• combating
• combatting
• formatting

Kids Definition

tatting

noun

tat·​ting ˈtat-iŋ 

1

: a delicate handmade lace formed usually by looping and knotting with a single thread and a small shuttle

2

: the act or process of making tatting